Four years in the making and twice the size as originally planned, the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, opened its new terminal on May 16, 2012. The new terminal, titled Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International, is dedicated for international travelers and is expected to reduce the demand on existing airport facilities.
Design Highlights of Atlanta’s New Terminal:
- A separate entrance for international travelers will reduce airport lines
- Soaring glass windows for great views of the airfields
- An air-focused art collection valued at more then $5 million
Besides being more aesthetically pleasing and efficient, the Atlanta Airport also made commitments to being green. Various environmentally friendly elements put the airport on track to earn silver certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
Sustainability Highlights of Atlanta’s New Terminal:
- Contractors used only recycled and/or regionally produced construction materials and sustainable-certified wood products
- A 25,000 cubic foot “water box” collects rain water from the roof greatly reducing the building’s impact or groundwater
- A source-separated recycling program will be used to recycle materials such as cardboard, plastics, aluminum, etc.
- Over fifty SmartPack Automatic Trash Compactors were installed throughout the terminal. While matching the airports aesthetic design, the trash receptacles also handle 8-12 more trash then a normal garbage can, saving hauling costs, labor, and trash liner use (Click here to view more photos of SmartPacks in Atlanta’s new terminal).
- Other sustainability initiatives include ensuring the quality of indoor air, preferential parking for alternative fuel vehicles, plug-in electrical chargers for ground service equipment, energy conservation, and carbon footprint reduction.
While increasing capacity for future demands for international travel, as well as being a cutting-edge LEED certified facility, Atlanta has went above and beyond to make the terminal world-class in sustainability and efficiency for years to come.
